Shri Peri Alwar, one of the twelve
Alwars, was born in
Srivilliputtur,
Tamil Nadu. He is considered as the reincarnation (amsa) of
Garuda (chariot) of
Lord Vishnu. Peri Alwar in Tamil means ‘Greatest Alwar’.
Peri Alwar's famous paasuram, Neerattam, recited during the Lord’s Thirumanjanam (ritual bath for the image of a deity) explains his passionate devotion towards Lord Vishnu. He also sung the famous benedictory paasuram of Thiruppallaandu, which has been made the beginning of 'Naalaayiram.'
Sri Andal and Vatapatrasayee Temple has a shrine of him.